Wounds are particularly common in horses due to their...
behavior and lifestyle.
Depending on the anatomical structures involved, they can be without consequence
sequences like They can affect the sporting prognosis and even be vital. We must keep in
The location of the wound is the most important factor. Indeed, some wounds
superficial ones can be impressive because they involve a large area of
skin but can be benign, while some small penetrating wounds that have
Infecting a joint will require more intensive management.
Wounds on the limbs are by far the most frequent in horses1. It is important to determine whether they involve "at-risk areas," which are regions near synovial cavities and the tendon region. Synovial cavities include joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. These cavities contain synovial fluid that lubricates and protects cartilage and tendons. An injury to these cavities almost always results in a synovial infection requiring emergency management. Indeed, septic arthritiss (infection of a joint), lseptic tenosynovitis (infection of a tendon sheath) and theseptic bursitis (infection of a tendon bursa) involve the sporting prognosis or even the life prognosis.
The extensor or flexor tendons The toe may be involved. The extensor tendons of the toe are located at the front of the limb. The superficial and deep flexor tendons of the toe and the suspensory ligament of the fetlock are located at the back of the limb. Their injury is more or less serious depending on the number of tendons affected and the area involved (complete or incomplete transection). Severing one or more of these tendons affects the sporting prognosis.
Any perforation of the cornea by a foreign body ("street nail") is a serious injury that can be life-threatening and affect athletic performance.. In fact, the foreign body can damage the phalanx bone, the distal sesamoid bone (navicular bone), the navicular bursa, the foot joint, and the deep digital flexor tendon. If the foreign body cannot be inserted further or if it is not likely to damage other limbs in the case of a long object, it can be left in place until the veterinarian arrives because the«radiographic examinationThis will allow us to visualize its path and therefore the structures involved.
Head wounds are relatively less frequents. The severity depends on the structure affected. The brain is relatively well protected in his skull, but a perforation of it is very serious. The eye area is particularly sensitive. Deep corneal injuries can lead to enucleation. The sinuses represent a large part of the head's volume and can be involved. The sores on the nostrils and lips can also be observed.
Abdominal and thoracic wounds are rarer but can be life-threatening. In fact, the lungs are "under vacuum" within the thoracic cavity, and a breach in this cavity (pneumothoraxThis can disrupt respiratory function and endanger the horse's life. Similarly, a breach in the abdominal cavity can lead to damage to the digestive structures and cause an infection of the peritoneal cavity (containing the abdominal organs) called peritonitis.
A wound always bleeds.Blood loss from wounds, although sometimes dramatic, is most often inconsequential, because A horse has a blood volume of approximately 50 liters. If the bleeding is significant, applying pressure to the damaged vessel can stop it temporarily or permanently. On the limbs, a bandage can be used for this compression. On the rest of the body, manual pressure with a towel is necessary. In some cases, the vessels need to be clamped or ligated by a veterinarian to permanently stop the bleeding.
This is an essential objective following a wound. Rinse the wound thoroughly to remove as much debris as possible, taking care not to put pressure on the tissues to avoid detaching them. Povidone-iodine soaps allow for better wound cleaning and disinfection. Remember thatHigh-concentration antiseptics and many topical products are toxic to tissues. Many herbal products lack proven clinical efficacy and their use is controversial. Another important step to limit contamination is trimming or shaving the edges of the wound. This step is important because limit bacterial contamination of the hair but should preferably be carried out by a veterinarian because appropriate equipment is required and a hydrophilic gel must be applied to the wound to prevent hair from falling into it.
IIt is then necessary to protect the wound To prevent reinfection, apply a bandage as follows:
– non-adherent contact dressing (MELOLIN or ANIPLAST SURGI for example, by placing the shiny layer in contact with the wound): these contact layers are not used for long-term healing but protect a recent wound very well, especially before evaluation by a veterinarian.,
– orthopedic wadding (SOFBAN or PROBAND for example): this helps to keep the contact dressing in place on the wound.,
– cotton (COTOGAZE or GAMGEE for example) and crepe strip,
– cohesive bande (VETRAP or FLEX'ON for example).
Small, superficial wounds involving only skin outside of areas covering tendons, joints and tendon sheaths ("at-risk areas") may in some cases not require stitches and heal naturally.
However, a veterinarian should be contacted in the following situations:
– large wounds or wounds with a skin flap,
– wounds in areas covering tendons, joints and tendon sheaths («at-risk areas»), – wounds of the head,
– deep wounds of the chest and abdomen,
– any unusual wound.
Tetanus is caused by toxins from a bacterium, Clostridium tetani, which cause snervous symptoms that endanger the horse's life. This bacterium is present in the soil and therefore cannot be avoided.
That is why vaccination is strongly recommended throughout the horse's life.. Upon the veterinarian's arrival, inform them of the horse's tetanus vaccination status. If the horse is not vaccinated, tetanus antitoxin will be administered to protect against potential wound contamination by these toxins.
The following kit is necessary to properly protect recent wounds.
– povidone-iodine soap (VETEDINE SOAP for example),
– non-adherent contact dressingt (MELOLIN or ANIPLAST SURGI for example),
– orthopedic wadding (SOFBAN or PROBAND for example),
– cotton (COTOGAZE or GAMGEE for example) and crepe strip,
– cohesive bande (VETRAP or FLEX'ON for example),
– bandage scissors,
– osmotic dressing (ANIMALINTEX for example) to be reserved for foot ulcers and old contaminated wounds. In summary, each wound is unique. A veterinarian's assessment allows for an estimation of its severity.
By Dr. Matthieu COUSTY, ECVS Diplomate 
Specialist in equine surgery
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